Transport

Commercial vehicle developer Eco City Vehicles is today launching an all-electric prototype London taxi.

Developed in partnership with Mercedes Benz UK, Penso and Zytec Automotive, the Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi is predicted to have a range of around 120 miles for a typical mixed drive cycle on a single charge.

Featuring Zytek’s 70kW electric powertrain, the eVito has zero emissions, making it compliant with the Mayor of London’s proposed clean air standards for London taxis due to come into force for the London Olympics.

“The eVito is the first all-electric wheelchair accessible taxi with a 25-foot turning circle to be launched in the world,” says Peter DaCosta, CEO of Eco City Vehicles.

The electric taxi is based on the London-licensed Mercedes Vito taxi, which was developed by Eco City Vehicles, Mercedes and One80. Launched in 2008 as an alternative to the old-style TX4 London cab, the Vito now accounts for over 30% of new taxi sales in the capital.

For further information:
www.ecocityvehicles.com/
www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passengercars.html
www.penso.uk.com/
www.zytekgroup.co.uk/
www.london.gov.uk/

Related stories:
Tokyo to trial electric taxis with switchable batteries (28-Aug 2009)
Hybrid double-decker buses take to the road in London (10-Jul 2009)
London joins world cities electric vehicle partnership (22-May 2009)